From Gutters to the Big Screen: How Robert Lenney’s Passion for Helping Others Shapes Gutterglove and Robert Craig Films
Updated: Sep 25, 2024
When Robert Craig Lenney founded Gutterglove®, he was driven by a simple yet profound mission: to protect what matters most for homeowners by providing high-quality gutter guards. His journey, however, didn’t stop at creating a top-rated product. Instead, it evolved into something much larger—something that would not only protect homes but also touch lives in ways that go beyond the business world. Today, Lenney is not only the visionary behind Gutterglove but also the founder of Robert Craig Films, a production company dedicated to creating impactful, purpose-driven films that inspire and uplift audiences.
A Lifelong Passion for Film
Lenney’s transition from leading Gutterglove to founding Robert Craig Films wasn’t a sudden career shift; it was the realization of a lifelong dream.
“The inspiration for starting Robert Craig Films was simply to pursue a dream that I’ve had most of my life, since about 1988, which was to make movies,” Lenney shared.
His early attempts at filmmaking ignited a passion that remained strong. Throughout the years, even while building his tree service and gutter cleaning businesses, Lenney found every opportunity to create videos, nurturing a love for storytelling that would eventually lead to his new venture.
As Gutterglove grew, Lenney’s passion for filmmaking remained, quietly influencing his work. “Anytime there were opportunities to produce a video for the gutter company, I was the one for the job and really loved it,” he said. His hands-on approach to creating instructional videos, infomercials, and documentaries for Gutterglove laid the foundation for his future in film production.
A Shared Mission: Caring for People
At the heart of both Gutterglove and Robert Craig Films is a shared commitment to caring for people. This alignment of values is not a coincidence but a reflection of Lenney’s deeply embedded principles that guide both enterprises.
“Interestingly, Gutterglove and my film company sell totally different products, but we have very similar core values,” Lenney explained. “It’s not about the product; it’s about the people.”
This people-first philosophy has been instrumental in shaping the culture at Gutterglove. Programs like Gutterglove Cares and the DREAM Program, inspired by Matthew Kelly’s The Dream Manager, are designed to support team members in both their personal and professional lives, fostering an environment where people feel valued and supported. This dedication sets the company apart and has made Gutterglove a certified Great Place to Work For All® for the past three years.
Lenney states, “Both companies care deeply about their team members. When you are in a family, your parents and siblings care about each other, help, and look out for each other. I believe both companies symbolize that with their culture in how the team members are treated and cared for.”
Similarly, at Robert Craig Films, the focus on community and empathy drives the company’s mission. Through films like “No Address,” which addresses the issue of homelessness, Lenney hopes to inspire viewers to engage with greater compassion and take action to help those in need.
From Protecting Homes to Addressing Homelessness
The themes of protection and care are central to both Gutterglove and Robert Craig Films, and Lenney’s experiences at Gutterglove have profoundly influenced the messages in his films. “It was so great working at Gutterglove for about 25 years and having such a feeling of satisfaction for helping thousands of people solve their gutter cleaning problems,” Lenney reflected. This same satisfaction now drives his work in the film industry, where he aims to create projects that not only entertain but also make a meaningful impact on society.
One of the most significant ways this influence manifests is in the “No Address” projects, which highlight the struggles of people experiencing homelessness.
To bring awareness and solutions to homelessness in America, Robert Craig Films produced the major motion picture “Americans with No Address” Documentary and “No Address, The Movie.”
Robert Craig Films has also created the Big 5 GIVEBACK, a commitment to supporting organizations and churches that combat homelessness by pledging 50% of the net proceeds from their five “No Address” productions.
“With the Gutterglove company, we are saving lives because people literally do not have to climb their ladders and get on the roof to clean out their gutters anymore,” Lenney explained. With “No Address, The Movie,” he hopes to inspire similar life-saving actions by encouraging viewers to support local initiatives that help people experiencing homelessness.
A Vision for the Future: Collaboration for Greater Impact
Looking forward, Lenney envisions a continued collaboration between Gutterglove and Robert Craig Films to amplify their shared mission of community care and social advocacy. This engagement is not just a vision for the future but a call to action for everyone to join the movement.
Lenney believes that businesses have a crucial role in raising awareness and driving change for social issues. “I believe that all businesses should help out somewhere in their local community in areas where there is great need,” he said.
By setting an example through their actions, Lenney hopes that Gutterglove and Robert Craig Films can inspire other companies to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
In the end, whether through innovative products or powerful storytelling, Lenney’s goal remains the same: to protect and uplift lives. His journey from gutters to the big screen is a testament to the impact that purpose-driven leadership can have in business and beyond.
